Discussion of large systems

[C Sullivan]

On Nov 1, 2006, at 9:31 AM, Warren Wolfe wrote:

>     That would be six, I believe.  But, why?  Just to say one did it?
> In today's world, the way to implement the same algorithm would be to
> use disk files; MUCH faster.  With a TERABYTE of screaming fast disk
> storage available for a desktop machine for about 500 pounds (around
> $750 US) the REASON for a multi-tape sort has gone away.  (Unless, of
> course, one finds spinning tape reels exciting in themselves...)

$750?  You're getting ripped off.

Two SATA drives and a reasonable RAID controller can be had for $500  
street in the US if you're willing to shop around. Considering single  
750GB drives cost just under $350 in most major US markets, for  
around $800 you can get two of them, an inexpensive RAID 0/1 capable  
SATA controller, and have 1.5GB.

Hell, I carry a terabyte around with me now when I travel (a 500GB  
Firewire drive, and a 500GB-equipped D-Link NAS box.. hey, I got to  
have my movies and mp3s with me, right?).

As to WHY you'd want to do a sort onto tape, my To: field says this  
is the classic computer mailing list.  It sounds like a fun project  
for somebody who as an old PDP (and the space for six tape drives) or  
similar lying around.  Heck, it might even make a fun programming  
project to "emulate" it using a bitty box and some virtual "tape  
drives".  Lastly, it would make a great academic project for teaching.

My 2 cents.  Unfortunately, it's in Canadian coin.